What to Do if You Hear Strange Noises Outside

I am lucky enough to live in an apartment block, or as we call it a council house maisonette. My neighbors are directly to the side of me and below me, so if I do not feel safe for any reason then I know they are literally just the other side of the wall.

House safety comes in many forms. Keeping the house safe from fires, blown out windows and bad plumbing is a must. But what happens if you do not feel safe in your house because you have heard strange noises outside and you live on your own? Facing a burglar or intruder can be a terrifying experience. You need to keep the intruder out, raise the alarm, or protect yourself from the burglar. And that takes planning.

Not everybody is lucky enough to have neighbors literally over the fence from your front door. Living in a house right out in the sticks, especially on your own can be a daunting prospect. Especially in the winter with the snow and ice blocking you off from getting in that car and driving to safety.

So, what to do if you hear strange noises outside? Well first of all do not panic.

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suspicious woman opening front door public domain

I Hear Strange Noises Help!

Imagine if you will being totally on your own. You are sitting in front of the TV eating a snack, its eleven o clock at night and totally quiet. Then, all of a sudden you hear someone or something crashing around outside. What to do? Well first of all here's not what to do!

Do not open the front door and yell hello? You could come face to face with a serial killer!

Never turn on all the lights in the house thinking that will make you feel safe. The stalker outside will be able to see you through all the curtains.

Do not arm yourself with a knife and go and try to tackle them yourself. More people are injured in this way that actually getting attacked by the perpetrator. The reason being that if you are holding a knife the bad guy will get it off of you and use it.

Do not try to escape through the back door unless you know for a fact that the person is out the front. Opening the door will get their attention and you need to be able to run pretty darn fast.

How To Deal With An Intruder The Safe Way

Get in one room and lock down the door. If its the middle of the night then it probably will be your bedroom. Put a chair under the door handle or use a key.

Now turn on the lights.

Nows the time to phone the police. If by any chance you don't have a cell phone in your room then open the window and yell at the top of your voice for help.

STAY IN THE ROOM. This must be reiterated, its the safest place.

Arm yourself with something. Either a baseball bat, if its conveniently placed under the bed, or more likely a table lamp.

DON'T WORRY ABOUT GETTING INTO TROUBLE FOR HURTING THEM. TOUGH I SAY YOUR HEALTH IS WHAT MATTERS

Now is the time to make some noise. Yell, scream and holler at the top of your voice, if the neighbors can't hear you, then they can't help you. .

If you are in the middle of nowhere then yelling won't really help unless you can bluff your way by screaming that you have someone else in the house, or the police are on their way. You can even say that you are filming them. That may just scare them off.

Make sure you have a window open as long as you are upstairs. Just in case the intruder tries to get into your room you will have an escape route.

If you really are in the middle of nowhere then DO try to escape but ONLY if you are fit enough to run, its not a good idea if you are older and fat. You won't get very far.

And last but not least do NOT be scared to bash them silly if they come at you. Being arrested afterwards is something that you can face later. And anyway they deserve a good punch!

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yell out of the window to get help and try to make the burglar run away public domain

Keep Your Own Personal Alarm Handy

Face To Face Attack.

So what happens if you come face to face with your attacker? Well there is a few things you can do, but always try to keep yourself safe first.

If you come face to face with your attacker try to keep calm. No sudden movements and talk in a quiet voice.

If you wake up and see someone in your room, don't freak out straight away. They may be trying to steal your jewelry and other goods. Sometimes its best to keep still and make out you are still asleep, they may take the stuff and go. You goods are not as important as your life.

If they start yelling at you and trying to attack you then throw everything that you can at them, and try to escape. Hit them with everything you have, as long as this is the only way to get clear of them. Do not attack them first.

If in doubt just try and run away as fast as you can. But make sure you don't trap yourself. You know your house better than anyone else, try to use this to your advantage.

Never make eye contact. Act submissive towards them and only talk in a quiet voice. This way you should be able to calm the situation.

If in any doubt of your safety then use everything in your power to protect yourself and your family. If you hurt the intruder or even worse then its them or you. Simple as that.

The most important thing is to get out safely. If this means sitting quietly while they ransack the house then so be it. Be polite, as for peace and calm and then hope they just want your jewelry. Things can be replaced, loved ones cannot.

Always try and keep a fully charged mobile/cell phone with you, especially at night. You never know when you are going to need it.

Keep Your House Safe

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House Safety.

Whether you live way out in the countryside or in a large city, its best to have a home alarm system to keep safe. The second a burglar tries to break into your house, the alarm will trigger and the police should be there in minutes.

But don't just rely on the alarm system. Make sure you always have a cell phone nearby, especially at night. Keep doors and windows locked at all times, even in the day. Fit safety locks on windows throughout the house, so if you do forget to lock them they will only be open a few inches. Keep a baseball bat or something you can use for a weapon under your bed, behind the sofa or under the table. Preferably one in each room.

Obviously if you live in a country where you are allowed to use a firearm then make sure its not locked and loaded, but is there in case you need it. If not, then anything will do as a weapon. Just remember, your aim is to stop the burglar hurting you, if you see them running away then let them go. Your safety is paramount. Never run after them for two reasons. The first being that they will turn on you and put you in danger, and the second is that if you attack someone from behind then you can go to jail. Like it or not, that's the law.

Comments

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sending

Sex and st3ph

16 months ago

Thanks and you should make one about if you are scared of monsters.Moo3

AUTHOR

Nell Rose

2 years agofrom England

Thanks hailey, that sounds horrific! glad to see you are okay, and thanks for reading, nell

Hailey

2 years ago

i love these tips on this website!

hailey

2 years ago

one time I was being intruded and i had to stay in the bathroom all day

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Nell Rose

3 years agofrom England

You would love it Jo! lol! in fact when its snowing it doesn't feel that cold, its great fun!

Joanna Chandler

3 years agofrom On planet Earth

LOL lucky you i wants no snow where I am . I don't know how people make out with that snow :(

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Nell Rose

3 years agofrom England

Hi Jo, lol! yes change it to mens names! we down in the south of England are not getting any snow at the moment, in fact most years we don't get it, its mainly up north, but it does look like we may get some next week, nell

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Nell Rose

3 years agofrom England

Thanks lovedoc, yes its pretty safe around here, but you can still get nervous, we often get police patrolling around our estate, but sometimes it is to chase somebody because we live near an alley which is a great getaway for crooks! lol!

Joanna Chandler

3 years agofrom On planet Earth

Hmmm i heard about the snow in Scotland and how many schools etc closed. Thank God we do not have snow the AC is cold enough. Gail has no behaviour... i feel offended most of these storms are named after us women .Are we that bad? Come on men are worst how about naming all after men. YESSS!!!.

Well please be safe and pray God will watch over you all. Good morning.

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Nell Rose

3 years agofrom England

No lol! I get up around 10 am, 12s a bit too late for me! I worked for 30 years without a break, so now I can take it easy! yes employers only take on the kids these days, so getting a job now is a pain! lol! have a good evening, its so windy here, gail force, gotta tie down the stuff on the balcony!

lovedoctor926

3 years ago

Helpful tips and advice. Thank you. I am not a deep sleeper so I am always hearing noises outside. I live in a safe neighborhood and I have an alarm in my home, but I am not sure if this is enough to keep crooks away. Helicopters flying above my home late at night. It makes me nervous whenever I hear cars passing by at wee hrs of the night.

Joanna Chandler

3 years agofrom On planet Earth

Hmmm lady when is your normal bed time lol . Since i met you, you sleep far day morning lol. Never before 12:00 am. Well good luck with that job, because there are a lot of losers out there called employers lol. Do tarots by the time rotflol.

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Nell Rose

3 years agofrom England

Aw thanks, yes we Gemini people are awesome1 LOLOLO! I don't work at the moment, but I am looking for another job, so it will be back to normal bedtime! lol! thanks Jo!

Joanna Chandler

3 years agofrom On planet Earth

My word 3 a.m. you see why your neighbour was thinking what she was thinking......? Lol! Your just sad ,you won't get enough rest by doing that . How do you make out at work and what time do you work lol? Hmmmm!!

Well Gemini people are the sweetest people in the world . I am hoping you fall into that catergory lol.

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Nell Rose

3 years agofrom England

LOL! yep I am Gemini! split personality! LOL! got to bed around 3am last night, so phew! hope your having a great day!

Joanna Chandler

3 years agofrom On planet Earth

Nell didn't I send you to bed? These hours are portion hours :) lol . Thanks darling , i got a lot of presents . Tonight i got a car vacuum and an electric kettle mug. June are you cancer or gemini ? Please say Gemini please please lol.

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Nell Rose

3 years agofrom England

Thanks Deb, yes we have that around here too, not that many people take a lot of notice of it! but we do tend to keep an eye out in our block, thanks for reading, nell

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Nell Rose

3 years agofrom England

LOL! no, no frog potions! and Happy Birthday, even though its late! lol! wish it was in the 90s here, just for a few hours! lol! thanks my birthday isn't till june, so long way off yet.

Debra Allen

3 years agofrom West By God

These are might fine suggestions and good advice. I used to be Neighborhood Watch and now the neighbor across the street is and we ae both on the same page with all of this.

Joanna Chandler

3 years agofrom On planet Earth

Whiskey and soda lol those are crazy names but just great for fast nosy neighbours. Well its raining a lot here to and January to June supposed to be our dry season but apparently not. I am not missing the sun because some days it goes into the 90's degrees hot as hell if you stand too long in it you will ignite. I am happy to know you're okay. I came to collect my birthday presents my birthday was the jan 4th i turned 27. Email me when is yours? Go get some sleep and don't mix any frog portions plz.

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Nell Rose

3 years agofrom England

Hiya Jo, lol! my mum had two cats, she called them whisky and soda! can you imagine the neighbors faces when she opened the back door to call them in and yelled whisky and soda? they must have thought she liked her drink! lol! Yes I am fine thanks, same old thing over here, rain and more rain, have a great time with your mom okay?

Joanna Chandler

3 years agofrom On planet Earth

Yes be sure to name your cat and dog that please it will save you a lot of future troubles lol. I am okay thanks i am at my mother tonight. How are you?

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Nell Rose

3 years agofrom England

LOL! er maybe not so much of the fat? and what a great saying from that old lady! LOLOLO! brilliant! thanks Jo, that was so darn funny! how you doing?

Joanna Chandler

3 years agofrom On planet Earth

LOL well i guess when they come into your home what they get they TAKE! They have absolutely no right intruding :) :) Baseball bat sounds like a mighty fine idea and i will add make sure you connect the head hard if they survive they may eventually develop some sense, and know robbery/rape/muder is WRONG!

You're really bad Nell, you said this : If you really are in the middle of nowhere then DO try to escape but ONLY if you are fit enough to run, its not a good idea if you are older and fat. You won't get very far.

Hmmmm but you're right he he he.

Yeah i tired saw movies with silly people that just go to their door and open it. Come on are you stupid or something? When people come knocking at my door I always ask who is it? If they respond Junior I'd ask again to be sure or peep through the window.

My granny once told us a story about an old lady who live alone, she named her cat "Pull the trigger" and her dog "Kill him quick" so when the bandit came she called her cat and dog by their names and the bandit ran for his life. I think someone should keep this in mind just for the future lol.

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Nell Rose

4 years agofrom England

Thanks Jodah, we have had a few near misses to be honest, especially when we lived up a rather nasty estate! thanks for reading, nell

John Hansen

4 years agofrom Queensland Australia

Great advice Nell. I've never had an intruder in my house yet, touch wood, but if I do I'll be prepared now. Thanks. Voted up.

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Nell Rose

4 years agofrom England

Hi Pamela, that must have been an awful thing to see when you got home, I am glad you were all out, so sad though. why do people do this? thanks so much for reading, nell

Pamela Oglesby

4 years agofrom Sunny Florida

Your tips are excellent as that would be a terrifying experience. My house was robbed many years ago, but we were at work and the children were at school. It was very upsetting, but nothing like it would have been had we been home. Awesome hub

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Nell Rose

4 years agofrom England

Thanks Wendy, glad you liked it, nell

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Nell Rose

4 years agofrom England

Thanks rebecca, glad you liked it, nell

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Nell Rose

4 years agofrom England

Hi Audrey, that's the best deterrent a great big huge dog! lol! thanks so much for reading, nell

Wendy Krick

4 years agofrom Maryland

Great tips!

Rebecca Mealey

4 years agofrom Northeastern Georgia, USA

This was a very good subject to pick, you give some very sensible tips!

Audrey Hunt

4 years agofrom Idyllwild Ca.

I have a dog with a horrendous bark! She would scare most anyone to death. She's y alarm system. I really like these tips and sure hope I don't ever need them. I didn't realize that burglars could see through curtains with the lights on. Wow! Thanks so much!

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Nell Rose

5 years agofrom England

Hi Rolly, lol! love it! I had a sign that said watch out for the jack russell he bites your ankles! haha! thanks as always, and hugs back at ya!

Rolly A Chabot

5 years agofrom Alberta Canada

Hi Nell... it is something we all need to be aware of in looking after the home. I live in a small community where break ins are rare but they do happen. I have a state of the art security system and the home is well posted.

Years ago I had but a sign that was very effective. It stated "You have now entered into the land of the 12 gauge haircut." I know , I know plat nice... lol

You have crafted an awesome hub here. Great work Nell...

Hugs from Canada

Love from Canada

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Nell Rose

5 years agofrom England

Thanks rajan, DDE and Arun, glad you liked it, nell

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Nell Rose

5 years agofrom England

Hi ImKarn, that's the trouble living on the ground floor, you have to be so much more careful, sounds like you are doing the right things, thanks for the share!

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Nell Rose

5 years agofrom England

Hi Zipper, very good point about the guns and safety, we don't use them over here so I really don't know the pro's and con's, thanks so much, nell

Zipper

5 years agofrom United States

Great hub, I myself would do the same but have my gun ready if needed. My mother saved her life with a rifle when I was young. I wasn't there at the time but a man broke in and she heard him and grabbed her rifle in her bedroom she waited until he got to the bedroom. When He saw the gun he turned around and ran. Knives are not good weapons for women because in close contact you can be over powered. Guns are tools that do not need to be feared to own. You just take a course so you know how to use them properly and how to safeguard them from children. My father always had guns and I learned early about gun safety and proper use. The media doesn't say very much about the men, women and children who are saved everyday by gun protection. Look it up.

Karen Silverman

5 years ago

hi, Nell...great hub! I read it with great interest as i am a single female living on the main floor of a townhouse condo unit. I have a yard and 2 bedroom windows overlook the yard - and - i have worried about an intruder forever! I don't leave windows open at night - no matter how much i'd like to. I look around before i open my door and then i don't dither-dather locking it behind me! I don't tell anyone that my 13 year old dog would probably lick their ass if they chose to hurt me...(sigh..)..

your advice is great - i do have a knife under my pillow, jic, but - i'd need to get them with the first attempt - or - i know i'd be a goner..

upandsharingxx

ARUN KANTI CHATTERJEE

5 years agofrom KOLKATA

If the security alarm does not work one could use the fully charged mobile phone to alert the police and the immediate neighbours to scare away the intruders.Useful and interesting hub.

Devika Primić

5 years agofrom Dubrovnik, Croatia

Most helpful tips when hearing noises outside, certainly one can benefit from these valuable tips. voted up!

Rajan Singh Jolly

5 years agofrom From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar,INDIA.

Some great tips here Nell. Keeping oneself safe is of primary importance though defending oneself if the need arises is not to be ignored. Keeping a fully charged cell phone close by at night is a wonderful tip too. Keeping one's wits about is certainly very necessary in such circumstances.

Great hub which I'm sharing too.

Voted up, useful and interesting.

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Nell Rose

5 years agofrom England

Hi again LongTimeMother, that sounds great! I suppose we could use them over here, but England tends to be a bit colder, mind you living in the south like I do our summers are quite long, apart from last year! lol! its a really good idea though, thanks for coming back, nell

LongTimeMother

5 years agofrom Australia

A thought that might prove useful to your readers, Nell. Solar powered motion detector lights are relatively cheap these days and cost nothing to run. They are extremely effective. What I particularly like is having the outdoor areas around my home lit up without me needing to reach for a torch. Peek around the curtain with your room still darkened and you can easily see if there is an intruder or just a cat or a dog responsible for setting it off.

Your neighbours can also see what's happening around your house.

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Nell Rose

5 years agofrom England

Hi LongTimeMother, thanks for reading, yes those films do it to me too! lol! thanks!

LongTimeMother

5 years agofrom Australia

Hi Nell. One of my adult children now regrets having watched so many horror and thriller movies because she finds herself getting easily spooked. I never watch those movies. :)

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Nell Rose

5 years agofrom England

Hi dilipchandra, thanks so much for reading, nell

Dilip Chandra

5 years agofrom India

Good hub Nell, interesting and useful. It was also well written.

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Nell Rose

5 years agofrom England

Thanks Wiccan, sorry it took me so long to answer, been away for christmas! lol!

Mackenzie Sage Wright

5 years ago

I would be terrified if this ever happened. This is good information to learn, I never would have thought to do some things like yelling out the window. I'd be curled up in the corner in a ball. Thanks for this, I hope I never have to use it!

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Nell Rose

5 years agofrom England

Hi kitty, lol! then there wouldn't be a film I suppose! thanks as always, and have a great Christmas!

Kitty Fields

5 years agofrom Summerland

Another awesome hub, Nell. Super informative and straight-to-the-point. Why don't all those dumbies in horror flicks follow these simple instructions?

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Nell Rose

6 years agofrom England

Hi Gordon, yes I totally agree with you, in fact the little darlings are worse than the adults! what's happened to sweet little kids singing at the door? lol! still hopefully its just kids stuff, but yes it does need nipping in the bud so to speak, and of course kids can do just as much damage to property as adults, thanks for reading, nell

Gordon Hamilton

6 years agofrom Wishaw, Lanarkshire, United Kingdom

Lots of great advice here, Nell - I hope that particularly those who are most at risk from these situations take heed of your tips.

Funnily enough, one night last week, I had a similar event. I was working out of the house for long hours all week, so my faithful hound was away with a family member. I was in the kitchen around 7.30pm - just in - and heard frenzied banging on the front door. I thought it was one of my (largely elderly) neighbours in need of help...

I answered the door to three wee kids aged around 9 or 10, who sang me the first line of "We wish you a Merry Christmas," before asking me for cigarettes and a light! I chased them. Ten minutes later, I heard a commotion and went out to find the boundary fence kicked down, my neighbours' treasured plant pots (apparently he had chased them, too) destroyed and the "little darlings" long gone.

One of the neighbours urged me not to phone the police as it would make us targets but I phoned the police - you better believe it! The police came and said they had three other calls from the street and that one of the neighbours had followed them to a house a couple of streets away. I might now have to go as a witness which will not be pleasant but there is no way I would give in to the little buggers.

I know your page is about the adult variety of intruders - but stopping them as kids before they get that far also has to be considered. Hope you agree...

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Nell Rose

6 years agofrom England

Hi mejohnson, that's right, its something we try not to think about, but we should really, thanks so much for reading, nell

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Nell Rose

6 years agofrom England

Hi teaches, thanks for reading, yes I hope they don't have to do it too, scary stuff! thanks!

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Nell Rose

6 years agofrom England

Hi alocsin, thanks for reading, nell

alocsin

6 years agofrom Orange County, CA

Common sense advice for something that I've never even thought about, much less planned for. Voting this Up and Useful.

Dianna Mendez

6 years ago

Nell, this is advice everyone can use and should put to memory. Hopefully, it is not one that they will ever have to use - like insurance. Voted way up and shared.

mejohnson

6 years ago

Great tips. I've always had a plan in my head of what I might do if this I'd happen. Everyone should be prepared or have an idea of what they might do. Voted up.

Hi tipstore, that's it hopefully, your health is more important that wealth, thanks for reading, nell

tipstoretireearly

6 years agofrom New York

Very useful hub! Keeping locked in one room is great advice. The last thing you want to be doing is confronting an intruder. It's much better to simply let him take away whatever he wants (unless the police arrive first!).

drbj and sherry

6 years agofrom south Florida

Great tips, Nell. When I lived in a house, I had an excellent watch dog. While away at work my home was robbed twice. My dog lived up to his name. Both times he sat there and watched!

Terrye Toombs

6 years agofrom Somewhere between Heaven and Hell without a road map.

Great job, Nell and wonderful advice/information on home protection. Voted up and more.

Paula

6 years agofrom Beautiful Upstate New York

OK, Nell....stop trying to spook me! I actually have no neighbors close enough to hear me if I screamed my bloody lungs out.......but I live here by CHOICE. I don't WANT neighbors.

This being said, I am quite cautious and proactive. This is a small, semi-rural area......we have next-to-zero-crime, but of course I realize anything is possible.

At the end of the day, I make sure all outside lighting is ON....doors and windows are locked.....and I'm in a sexy nightie, just in case some gorgeous, muscular man breaks in!!

Thanks for the tips.....I sleep well!...........UP+++

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Nell Rose

6 years agofrom England

Thanks Glimmer, yes the dogs do make us feel so much safer, now I haven't got a dog it does feel strange, and less safe, but I am lucky really because I do have close neighbors, thank goodness! lol!

Claudia Mitchell

6 years ago

Great tips here. Our dog barks loudly and he is a big boy so he is good protection for us. When I was single and lived in an apartment I was always quite cautious.

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Nell Rose

6 years agofrom England

Thanks for reading carla, glad you liked it, nell

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Nell Rose

6 years agofrom England

Hi Becky, lol! yes I know what you mean! I would probably freeze or scream the house down completely either way I would scare them half to death! haha! thanks for reading, nell

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Nell Rose

6 years agofrom England

Hi midget, thanks so much for reading, nell

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Nell Rose

6 years agofrom England

Hi Crystal, you gotta be joking? seriously these days people are stupid, I can't believe the cops said that, well actually I can especially living in England! lol! thanks for reading, nell

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Nell Rose

6 years agofrom England

Hi Barbara, thanks so much for reading, and keep safe! lol!

Barbara Badder

6 years agofrom USA

This hub caught my eye, it is something all of us need to think about before it happens. We have two dogs and the neighbors are close, so I feel pretty secure. You never know what can happen though.

Crystal Tatum

6 years agofrom Georgia

I've heard several stories lately from older women who live alone and have heard strange noises, and it's scared the daylights out of them! I know one woman who is confined to a wheelchair and called the cops and the officer asked her why she didn't just run. Good grief. Very informative hub, voted up and useful.

Michelle Liew

6 years agofrom Singapore

Phew. I'm alone right now and this gives me many pointers! It's daylight now though, thankfully! Wise advice, and a fun read too, as usual from you, Nell. Passing it on.

Rfordin

6 years agofrom Florida

Hey Nell,

I must admit I always flip myself out with noises I hear outside. You share some cool tips I just hope I don't freeze in fear if I am ever confronted with this situation.

~Becky

Carla J Swick

6 years agofrom NW PA

Great book about having a healthy fear - great to have this hub as a resource as well. Great job.

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Nell Rose

6 years agofrom England

Hi Sharky, boundaries are funny things, but I love the logic behind shoot them in the leg! haha! wish we could get away with that over here in good ol' staid and steady England! I have bats etc, and other stuff placed around the house, and yes I would use it, if I got into trouble at least I would be around too get into trouble with the police afterwards! lol! thanks for reading, nell

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Nell Rose

6 years agofrom England

Hi mary, I don't blame her for getting him with the baseball bat, good for her! lol! I am sure you are safe mary, but I do know what you mean about the house being old and creeky, my mums old house was too, the advantage was that nobody could get up the stairs without standing on That Stair! we knew how to get round it, but a burglar wouldn't have! lol! thanks as always, nell

Mary Hyatt

6 years agofrom Florida

My little dog, Baby, is a barker! I wonder if she would bark if an intruder tried to break in, though. Just last night on the news, they had a story of a lady who woke up to find someone in her house with her computer in his arms. She grabbed a baseball bat and starting beating him. He ran out the door with her computer, but she says she is sure she got some good licks in.

I live in a house that is 100 yrs. old, and the floors squeak all the time. I hear some scary noises at night.

Jayme Kinsey

6 years agofrom Oklahoma

This was very interesting to read. I have lived in the country most of my life. In fact, at one time we lived very far in the wildneress. We were right on the state line. It would take about an hour for law enforcement from the Oklahoma side to get to us, and the Arkansas couldn't come until the OK guys were there, because we lived in Oklahoma. ( even though it was only by a few feet.) So we asked the sheriff what we were supposed to do in case of intruders and he said the best thing we could do would be to shoot them in the leg and they would come pick them up in the morning!

I guess because if that, I never thought to be afraid of living in the country. My husband is more worried about it than me, especially now that he works night shift. The whole house is full of things that he has brought home that can be used for protection. :)

Truly, great hub. And I am definitely sharing and voting.

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Nell Rose

6 years agofrom England

Hi Sis, lol! that's brilliant! I will have to come over for some shooting practice! thanks as always, nell

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Nell Rose

6 years agofrom England

Hi Pavlo, thanks so much for reading, nell

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Nell Rose

6 years agofrom England

Hi polly, yes I will if I get to live on my own, they always make me feel so much safer, I love dogs too, thanks as always, nell

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Nell Rose

6 years agofrom England

Hi Pamela, no I didn't mention a dog, did I? lol! not sure, but its a great idea, thanks as always, nell

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Nell Rose

6 years agofrom England

Hi Linda! lol! yep if they mess with me they know what they get! well at least they used to! maybe a bit slower now! haha! thanks as always, nell

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Nell Rose

6 years agofrom England

Hi ruby, yes they always manage to find a way, but keeping protected is the best line of defence, thanks as always ruby, nell

Linda Bilyeu

6 years agofrom Orlando, FL

Excellent advice! I must admit I did LOL a few times picturing the scenarios! I hope burglars read this hub and think twice before messing with anyone. Ever!

Ruby Jean Richert

6 years agofrom Southern Illinois

Now i'm afraid, Hee..Great tips on staying safe. I have an alarm system that goes off if someone drives in the driveway. No matter how much protection one has, there is still a danger. Thank's Nell..Voted up up..

Pamela Oglesby

6 years agofrom Sunny Florida

I know in the US about one third of break-ins come in through the front door according to an article I read a few days ago. Most of the rest come in through windows on the first floor, so you tips are really good. A deadbolt lock on the front door is a must. This article also said a dog is one of the best lines of defense as burglars typically avoid houses with loud barking. I had never heard this before, but it makes sense. Voted up and very useful.

Pollyannalana

6 years agofrom US

I live out to myself and I have always wondered at people who think that is so dangerous. lol I learned to shoot a gun when I was ten, I always keep dogs to warn me of an intruder and that is one of the best things I could recommend, those buggers are worth their weight in gold, even the little inside ones. Dogs beat any alarm since they can hear them well before they get inside your house. I had a small inside one once I so loved, because she never yapped, she just did a low growl and if I went to look out I saw my nephew usually coming 300-400 ft away! I always knew who was coming well before they got there, in case I did not want to be home!

Get you a small dog girl, they are a treasure. Life is too dangerous if you live alone!

Pavlo Badovskyi

6 years agofrom Kyiv, Ukraine

This may happen to anyone. None is ensured from such a thing. Interesting advices. Hope not to use them in a real life :)

Angela Blair

6 years agofrom Central Texas

Good information, Nell -- and very well written. Must admit that being pro-gun I'm usually armed. I have a sign in my front yard (small but readable from the street) that says: "House protected by Mr. Smith & Mr. Wesson -- we don't call 911!" So far, so good! LOL! Best/is

AUTHOR

Nell Rose

6 years agofrom England

Hi daily, thanks for reading, I am sorry to hear that you have had a horrible experience twice, glad you are okay, nell

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